Posts made in March, 2014

By : Kim Hathaway, March 11, 2014 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have transformed into a spectacle that would likely cause the poor auld saint turn over in his grave if he could see the shenanigans that ensue in his name. Lá Fhéile Pádraig or the Festival of Patrick is far from the holy day of obligation honoring Ireland’s Patron Saint. Catholics and Protestants alike held this day as a religious holiday. The secular folklore and legends that grew from the history of the saint have led to so much imbibing and revelry that some find it hard to believe there was ever such a man. Comparable to many myths and legends, there is truth to the legend of St Patrick. But the truth has become inaccurate and embroidered leaving doubt as to any veracity in the story. Popular legend is that St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland and he used a shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to the pagan Celts of Ireland. Other accounts say that he overthrew pagan idols and won contests against the druids and kings. Regretfully there is no sign of snakes in Ireland nor is there any evidence that discusses the shamrock to teach Christianity. It’s a great yarn that has been told for generations, but it lacks proof. However, there is a foundation to answer all these questions held by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA). We do know for a fact where St. Patrick was born, when and how he arrived in Ireland. We also know he returned to Ireland and became a Christian priest. We know that he had a vision of being called back to Ireland by her people. This vision was to bring him to his mission in Ireland and to convert the Irish to Christianity. What is the evidence? Patrick’s Own Writings Miraculously letters by his hand exist that tell us all of this and more. Not only do these documents exist, but they are freely accessible to anyone with access to the internet! There are two Latin works written in Patrick’s own hand. One document is a brief but scorching letter called the Epistola. It is directed against a Britannia Chieftain who ordered the execution and enslavement some of Patrick’s new converts and followers. My name is Patrick… I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many. My father was Calpornius. He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae. His home was near there, and that is where I was taken prisoner. I was about sixteen at the time. The second document is the...